Clarion APA5241 Amplifier

Strengths:
Easy to set up, looks sleek, great price, don't need a dedicated sub preamp out from the head unit, good power, everything I need in one package, great price, fan cooled. Did I mention great price?

Weaknesses:
Some people don't like that it sums the front and rear preamp inputs for the sub, but my head unit only had 2 preamp outs anyways, so I obviously didn't mind.

Summary:
I got this from Crutchfield on closeout for $250. A total steal. This amp has everything I need for my desires. A channel for each speaker, and one for the sub. (I haven't hooked up a sub yet, but I am planning on getting a small 8" sealed box sub, and I imagine it will be able to power that nicely.) It looks really nice, and sounds amazing hooked up to my Sony ES CDX-C910 head unit. If you want a great sounding system on the cheap, instead of blowing the neighbors away with booming bass (which I *hate*), I highly recommend this amp.

Similar Products Used:
None

Strengths:
Design, performance, easy to use.

Weaknesses:
Sub amp ain't that great, BUT it ain't that bad either

Summary:
I like this amp, but if your going to use the sub channel, it works best with subs that don't crave a lot of power, I am running a JBL 12" sub and it's the perfect match. Great amp.

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1998

Strengths:
Simple install,crossovers, realistic reproduction. Subs are not overpowered but in my application I can make it pretty loud.

Weaknesses:
No seperate inputs for sub. It is taken from the 4 main inputs. Thus a seperate sub output on your receiver is useless.

Summary:
Paid about 560 Can. Which was average but not great. Used the high level inputs and got outstanding perfomance from a crappy ACdelco Cdplayer. Put a 12inch sub and a pair of rockford components on it. With tweaking I could get decent but not ear pounding bass.

Later I put an alpine 7844 on it. Absolutly perfect match. The alpine puts a measured 5 volts into the amp and the amp is maxed at 5 volts. Set the gains to ZERO. And jumped the built in bass expander halfway up. I get great sound on the REALLY low stuff.

No coloration on the sound at all. I did bring up the low range stuff a little higher than what is accurate, but what the hell.

I would say the biggest weakness is the lack of a seperate bass input. If you intend on useing a stock radio or have a head unit with no sub out then this amp is the perfect choice. Otherwise I would point you at the 6 channel rockford amp.

Similar Products Used:
phoenix gold crap.

Year / Model Reviewed:
 Clarion APA 5241

Strengths:
Good sound, good price.

Weaknesses:
Weak subwoofer amplifier, average crossovers (i use
an external equalizer/crossover)

Summary:
Good sound for all 4 speakers + subwoofer.
Crossovers may be better. Overall - good
sound for an economy price (I bought it
new for $250)

Similar Products Used:
audison LR605 (super sound)